As Sure as the Dawn (73 page)

C
HARACTER
R
EVIEW

1. Discuss how Hadassah was perceived by those in the arena prison. How did Atretes see her?
   
2. Examine Hadassah’s role in Atretes’ life.
   

D
IGGING
D
EEPER

1. Recount the information and advice Hadassah gave Atretes. How effective or persuasive was she?
   
2. What do you think made this conversation with Atretes so intense for Hadassah?
   
3. In what ways have you been persuasive or effective in intense situations?
   

P
ERSONAL
I
NSIGHTS
/C
HALLENGES

1. In your opinion, what stands out the most about Hadassah?
   
2. Do you think Hadassah’s sense of peace was realistic? How does your own sense of peace measure up?
   
3. “Dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Your anger can never make things right in God’s sight” (James 1:19-20). Describe how Hadassah exemplifies this passage of Scripture.
   

S
EARCHING THE
S
CRIPTURES

As you recall Hadassah’s patience and courage, look up the following Bible verses. They may give insight to the source of her effective life and challenge you as well.

Colossians 4:5-6

1 Peter 4:12-13

Psalm 27:14

C
HARACTER
R
EVIEW

1. Select a moving or disturbing scene with Atretes and share any memorable insights.
   
2. Discuss Atretes’ relationship with Rizpah. How did it change?
   

D
IGGING
D
EEPER

1. Recount the plans Atretes had for his son. In what ways did God change those plans?
   
2. In changing Atretes’ plans, how did God change Atretes?
   
3. What plans have you made that God has altered?
   

P
ERSONAL
I
NSIGHTS
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HALLENGES

1. In what ways do you identify with Atretes? How are you different?
   
2. What do you think was Atretes’ central conflict?
   
3. “Dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Your anger can never make things right in God’s sight” (James 1:19-20). What lessons did Atretes learn along these lines?
   

S
EARCHING THE
S
CRIPTURES

As you examine Atretes’ life, look up the following Bible verses. Consider what insights might have led to the changes in his life and may do the same for you.

We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. It is better to be patient than powerful; it is better to have self-control than to conquer a city.
Proverbs 16:9, 32

Finally, all of you should be of one mind, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds.
1 Peter 3:8

When you bow down before the Lord and admit your dependence on him, he will lift you up and give you honor.
James 4:10

C
HARACTER
R
EVIEW

1. Discuss your favorite scene with Rizpah. What draws you into it?
   
2. Compare Rizpah’s faith with Hadassah’s.
   

D
IGGING
D
EEPER

1. Describe Rizpah’s head versus heart conflict.
   
2. In what ways did Rizpah’s past affect her ability to trust God? How did she change?
   
3. What interferes with your ability to trust God?
   

P
ERSONAL
I
NSIGHTS
/C
HALLENGES

1. In what ways are you like Rizpah? How are you different?
   
2. Do you think Rizpah’s relationship with God was realistic? Explain.
   
3. “Dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Your anger can never make things right in God’s sight” (James 1:19-20). What happened with Rizpah’s anger? And your own?
   

S
EARCHING THE
S
CRIPTURES

As you think about Rizpah and the choices she made as she struggled with her faith in God, try reading the following Bible verses. They may reveal her challenges and victories and provide insights for you as well.

For you have been called to live in freedom—not freedom to satisfy your sinful nature, but freedom to serve one another in love.
Galatians 5:13

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.
Proverbs 15:1

So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise.
Ephesians 5:15

C
HARACTER
R
EVIEW

1. Choose a memorable scene with Theophilus and discuss what makes it unforgettable.
   
2. Compare Theophilus’ relationship with Rizpah to his relationship with Atretes. What differences do you find?
   

D
IGGING
D
EEPER

1. Describe Theophilus’ reputation.
   
2. In what ways did Theophilus share his faith in God? Was he effective? What would you like to learn from his example?
   
3. How would others describe your reputation?
   

P
ERSONAL
I
NSIGHTS
/C
HALLENGES

1. How are you like Theophilus? In what ways are you different?
   
2. Consider Theophilus’ wisdom and counsel. How does your own wisdom and counsel compare?
   
3. “Dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Your anger can never make things right in God’s sight” (James 1:19-20). Discuss how Theophilus understood the principles in this verse.
   

S
EARCHING THE
S
CRIPTURES

As you ponder Theophilus’ life and reputation, read the following Bible verses. They may reveal his motivations and challenge you as well.

Ephesians 5:19

Colossians 3:16

Philippians 1:12

Galatians 6:4-5